The lieutenant governor met with DPS Director Steven McCraw in the Rio Grande Valley last week, scolding the federal government, which he described as incapable of fighting drug and human trafficking.

“I'm proud to say that Texas law enforcement is showing Washington how to secure the border,” Dewhurst said in a statement.

On Thursday, a spokesman for Dewhurst said the lieutenant governor scheduled his visit to the border weeks ago to survey the DPS initiative to stop cross-border crime. The agency expanded river, air and road patrols.

Dewhurst did not plan to — nor did he — visit the DPS road checkpoints that have drawn sharp criticism from some residents here.

DPS said those were put in place to verify drivers are in compliance with state-required drivers licenses, auto insurance and vehicle registration. But critics have questioned the legality of the checkpoints and DPS' intent in setting them up. They say the checkpoints could be used to report undocumented people to Border Patrol.

DPS has said the checkpoints will not be used for that purpose.

According to Dewhurst, the Texas Legislature has appropriated almost $800 million in funding for border security, which has helped DPS invest in new equipment, enhanced technology and increased manpower.

“Until they significantly increase the number of Border Patrol agents along the border at the points of entry and all points between, and equip them with the resources they need, we won't see sustainable change in the border security situation,” Dewhurst said. “Until then, Texas will continue looking out for our own.”